PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Core i3-3245 vs Pentium P6200 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Core i3-3245 vs Pentium P6200: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Core i3-3245

2013

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark per dollar, at 20.1 vs 39.9 PassMark/$ ($120 MSRP vs $60 MSRP).
❌57.1% higher power demand at 55W vs 35W.

Pentium P6200

2010

Why buy it

✅Costs $60 less on MSRP ($60 MSRP vs $120 MSRP).
✅Delivers 98.5% more PassMark for each dollar spent, at 39.9 vs 20.1 PassMark/$ ($60 MSRP vs $120 MSRP).
✅Draws 35W instead of 55W, a 20W reduction.

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (2,394 vs 2,412).

Quick Answers

So, is Core i3-3245 better than Pentium P6200?

Yes. Core i3-3245 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data, 0.8% better PassMark, and the stronger long-term platform, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

If gaming is the priority, Core i3-3245 is the better pick. According to our tests, it delivers 2.9% more average FPS across 50 shared CPU game tests.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Core i3-3245 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.8% better PassMark, backed by 2 cores and 4 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Core i3-3245 is still the much better call for a fresh build. Core i3-3245 comes in 100.0% more expensive on MSRP at $120 MSRP versus $60 MSRP, and it still gives you a 2.9% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. Pentium P6200 only looks stronger on raw value math because it is extremely cheap, but that usually means used-market pricing on an obsolete 2010 platform. Even with 98.5% better value on paper (39.9 vs 20.1 PassMark/$), it really only makes sense as a cheap stopgap or a niche existing-platform option for someone already on PGA988.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Core i3-3245 makes more sense long term for 2026 and beyond. You are getting a newer CPU generation (2013 vs 2010) and more multi-core headroom with 2 cores / 4 threads instead of 2/2. That extra compute headroom is more likely to matter as games, background tasks, and creator workloads get heavier.

Core i3-3245 vs Pentium P6200 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Core i3-3245

The Core i3-3245 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 1 April 2013 (12 years ago). It features 2 cores and 4 threads. Base frequency: 3.4 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache. Built on 22 nm process technology. Socket: LGA1155. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR3-1333, DDR3-1600. Passmark benchmark score: 2,412 points. Launch price was $69.

Pentium P6200

The Pentium P6200 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 26 September 2010 (15 years ago). It is based on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. It features 2 cores and 2 threads. Base frequency is 2.13 GHz, with boost up to 0.13 GHz. L3 cache: 3 MB (total). L2 cache: 256K (per core). Built on 32 nm process technology. Socket: PGA988. Thermal design power (TDP): 35 Watt. Memory support: DDR3. Passmark benchmark score: 2,394 points. Launch price was $60.

⚡

Processing Power

The Core i3-3245 packs 2 cores / 4 threads, matching the Pentium P6200's 2 cores. The Pentium P6200 is built on the Arrandale (2010−2011) architecture. In PassMark, the Core i3-3245 scores 2,412 against the Pentium P6200's 2,394 — a 0.7% lead for the Core i3-3245. L3 cache: 3 MB Intel® Smart Cache on the Core i3-3245 vs 3 MB (total) on the Pentium P6200.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Pentium P6200
Cores / Threads	2 / 4	2 / 2
Boost Clock	—	0.13 GHz
Base Clock	3.4 GHz+60%	2.13 GHz
L3 Cache	3 MB Intel® Smart Cache	3 MB (total)
L2 Cache	—	256K (per core)
Process	22 nm-31%	32 nm
Architecture	—	Arrandale (2010−2011)
PassMark	2,412	2,394
Geekbench 6 Single	—	200
Geekbench 6 Multi	—	400

🧠

Memory & Platform

The Core i3-3245 uses the LGA1155 socket (PCIe 3.0), while the Pentium P6200 uses PGA988 (PCIe 2.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR3-1600 on the Core i3-3245 versus DDR3-1066 on the Pentium P6200 — the Core i3-3245 supports 50.1% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Core i3-3245 supports up to 32 GB of RAM compared to 8 GB — 300% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 16 PCIe lanes.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Pentium P6200
Socket	LGA1155	PGA988
PCIe Generation	PCIe 3.0+50%	PCIe 2.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR3-1600+50%	DDR3-1066
Max RAM Capacity	32 GB+300%	8 GB
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	No
PCIe Lanes	16	16

🔧

Advanced Features

Neither processor supports overclocking. Virtualization support: VT-x (Core i3-3245) vs None (Pentium P6200). Both include integrated graphics — HD Graphics 4000 (Core i3-3245) and Intel HD Graphics (Pentium P6200) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i3-3245 targets Desktop, Pentium P6200 targets Legacy Laptop.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Pentium P6200
Integrated GPU	Yes	Yes
IGPU Model	HD Graphics 4000	Intel HD Graphics
Unlocked	No	No
AVX-512	No	No
Virtualization	VT-x	None
Target Use	Desktop	Legacy Laptop

💰

Value Analysis

At launch, the Core i3-3245 was priced at $120, while the Pentium P6200 came in at $60. On launch pricing ($120 vs $60), Pentium P6200 was $60 cheaper. In terms of value on MSRP (PassMark points per dollar), the Core i3-3245 delivers 20.1 pts/$ vs 39.9 pts/$ for the Pentium P6200 — making the Pentium P6200 the 66% better value option.

Feature	Core i3-3245	Pentium P6200
MSRP	$120	$60-50%
Performance per Dollar	20.1	39.9+99%
Release Date	2013	2010

Search Core i3-3245 on Amazon

Search Pentium P6200 on Amazon

Affiliate Disclosure

ChipVERSUS is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through our links. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support our work in providing comprehensive PC building guides and tools.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.